This photo dated Mar 17, 2023 shows a panel discussion on "Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities in the World” organized by China Media Group Asia-Pacific, in Bangkok, Thailand. (PHOTO COURTESY OF CHINA MEDIA GROUP ASIA-PACIFIC)

HONG KONG – Top government officials, business and media leaders, members of academia exchanged their views on Chinese modernization, how it drew global attention during this year’s Two Sessions and how the country’s policies will provide the world with new opportunities.

They took part in a joint event consisting of three seminars held in Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong, titled “Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities in the World”. China Media Group Asia-Pacific organized the event.

The discussants said international observers gained a deeper understanding of Chinese modernization through the window of the Two Sessions.

Dr Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative, said common prosperity, especially addressing regional, urban-rural and income disparities, is the development goal both for China and ASEAN.

In his keynote speech at Singapore symposium, Suan Yong Foo, senior economist of ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office, said given the scale of China’s modernization drive and extensive linkages with the region and the rest of the world, the effects will be felt regionally and globally

In the eyes of Vice-Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Dr Danuch Tanterdtid, the operation of the China-Laos Railway has greatly enhanced Lao’s tourism.

ALSO READ: Xi: Diversity key to modernization

The China-Laos-Thailand railway link also benefits Thailand’s cargo transport with more reliable conditions and more stable time, he said, adding that this is how modernization has changed the lives of the people of ASEAN.

In his keynote speech at Singapore symposium, Suan Yong Foo, senior economist of ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office, said given the scale of China’s modernization drive and extensive linkages with the region and the rest of the world, the effects will be felt regionally and globally.

China’s further modernization will help to secure the region’s future, he added.

A panel discussion on "Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities in the World” is in progress in Singapore, Mar 21, 2023. (PHOTO COURTESY OF CHINA MEDIA GROUP ASIA-PACIFIC)

Starry Lee Wai-king, member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region needs to break through existing bottlenecks and strengthen its ability to pool funds and talents, and use technological innovation to serve the country’s modern industry and high-quality development.

Identifying the HKSAR as a window and fulcrum for China to connect with the world, Allan Zeman, chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Group, said the “one country, two systems” principle has made the Hong Kong market more attractive.

READ MORE: Xi: Chinese modernization sure path to national rejuvenation

The city is a dominant gateway to China for foreign investment, providing new opportunities and possibilities for economic development, he added.